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Learn about Ranked Ballot Voting at open houses

January 3, 2018 -

What is Ranked Ballot Voting and why is Kingston having a referendum to decide on it? Get detailed answers to those questions at a number open houses to be held in different parts of the city next Wednesday and Thursday.

The 2018 municipal election ballot will include a yes/no question about whether residents want to use a Ranked Ballot Voting system to elect the mayor and district councillors in future municipal elections.

"It's important that voters understand how Ranked Ballot Voting works because their answers to the municipal referendum question will determine how they elect mayor and council going forward," says John Bolognone, city clerk.

Right now, residents use a first past the post approach to elect local officials: the candidate with the most votes wins. A Ranked Ballot Voting system would allow residents to rank mayoral and district candidates in order of preference.

Find out more about how ranked ballots determine who is elected at one of these open houses:

Wednesday, Jan. 10

2 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall, City Hall, 216 Ontario St.

6 to 8 p.m. at Sir John A. Macdonald Public School, 529 St. Martha St. Thursday, Jan. 11

2 to 4 p.m. at the INVISTA Centre, 1350 Gardiners Rd.

6 to 8 p.m. Glenburnie Fire Hall, 1485 Unity Rd.

These open houses launch an education campaign on Ranked Ballot Voting that will continue until the 2018 municipal election on Monday, Oct. 22.

About the City of Kingston

Kingston's vision of being a smart, livable 21st century city is fast becoming reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, an easy drive from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston's high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.